Mangochi election protestors moved to Zomba Maximum Prison

Malawi Police have transferred 42 people from Mangochi to Zomba Maximum Prison arrested on Friday last week for violence in protest against the May 20 Tripartite Elections impasse in the district.

Mangochi Police spokesperson Roderick Maida confirmed that the suspects are being remanded at Zomba Maximum Prison waiting to be charged with inciting violence offences once investigations are concluded.

“All suspects are currently at Zomba Maximum Prison and court proceedings will take place there to make sure that the situation in Mangochi remains orderly,” said Maida.

Rioters in Mangochi

He said more arrests are likely.

“There is likely going to be more arrests basing on the information we have,” Maida said.

He confirmed that one civilian died and three Police Officers injured he but did not give official figures of the civilians who were injured, saying that could be provided by hospital officials.

The protestors burned tyres on the road, damaged police check point at Bakili Muluzi Bridge.
They also stole solar panels, damaged sign posts, smashed windows for Mangochi Secondary School boys hostels among other things.

Police fired teargas to bring peace and order but the situation was brought under control after Malawi Defence Force helped the police to tighten security.

The people were protesting to demand a recount of a May 20 presidential vote.